DEP Announces More than 250,000 People Visited Water-On-the-Go Fountains Since June

Water-On-the-Go Fountains Now Open Seven Days a Week Throughout the Five Boroughs;

Stations Will Be Featured at Five Summer Streets Locations Beginning August 4

Environmental Protection Commissioner Carter Strickland today announced that more than 250,000 people and nearly 1,000 dogs have visited Water-On-the-Go fountains since the 2012 program kickoff last month. The program, which brings free drinking water fountains to special events and outdoor locations throughout the five boroughs through Labor Day, will also be featured at the fifth annual Summer Streets celebration beginning August 4. On three consecutive Saturdays, nearly seven miles of New York City streets are opened for people to play, walk, bike, and breathe. Water-On-the-Go fountains will be stationed at five Summer Streets locations along Park Avenue and Lafayette Street.

"The growing success of Water-On-the-Go is a testament to the quality of New York City drinking water, a healthy way to keep cool and hydrated that is quickly becoming one of the iconic hallmarks of summer in the City," said Commissioner Strickland. "As the temperature rises, these fountains bring crisp, refreshing New York City water to residents and visitors alike for free at outdoor locations across the City."

On August 4, 11, and 18, Summer Streets Water-On-the-Go locations will include:

51st Street and Park Avenue

24th Street and Park Avenue

Astor Place and Lafayette Street

Cleveland Place and Lafayette Street

Lafayette Street between Duane and Worth Streets

Water-On-the-Go drinking fountains are regularly available in all five boroughs for the first time ever. The number of recurring Water-On-the-Go locations has tripled since last year, with DEP rotating fountains among 30 different locations around the city. Earlier this summer, DEP introduced a new iPhone/iPad mobile application (app) to help New Yorkers access the daily Water-On-the-Go program schedule. The app is free, and available for download at the iTunes Store. This summer, Water-On-the-Go visitors can also "Check-In" at fountains using Foursquare. While supplies last, visitors who "Check-In" regularly may unlock a special for a free reusable NYC Water bottle, and those with the most "Check-Ins" will be declared "Mayor" of the Water-On-the-Go station. For a complete list of Water-On-the-Go locations, visit nyc.gov/dep, call 311, or download the Water-On-the-Go app at the iTunes store.

DEP manages the city’s water supply, providing more than one billion gallons of water each day to more than nine million residents, including eight million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,400 miles of sewer lines and 95 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP employs nearly 6,000 employees, including nearly 1,000 in the upstate watershed. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nycwater, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nycwater.